THE body of a 16-month-old boy from Tyldesley was exhumed today as his parents' quest for an independent review into his death came to fruition.

Thomas Beardmore was treated and died at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital in 1995 after he was diagnosed with meningitis.

His parents, Thomas and Janet, from Tyldesley believe mistakes were made by the hospital over their child's treatment.

A spokeswoman for the Central Manchester and Manchester Children's University Hospitals NHS Trust said the couple had requested the inquiry and the Trust was willing to pay.

A former police chief for Greater Manchester Police John Stalker is leading the inquiry into Thomas's death.

More details later